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Pedestrian accidents are one of the most common mishaps in major and minor roadways in the United States. Although there have been various road developments that decrease the likelihood of pedestrian mishaps such as crosswalks and footbridges, such unfortunate occurrences still happen. In fact, for over a decade, pedestrian accidents accounted for around 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States, from 2001 to 2010, according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report.
Within the said time period, a total of 47,392 pedestrians were killed in America’s roadways. Additionally, the per capita pedestrian fatality rate in the U.S. was almost 14 deaths per 1 million people in 2010. In comparison, the rates in both the United Kingdom and Germany were 6.7 and 5.8, respectively.
The CDC also reported that not everyone is affected equally by dangerous walking conditions in U.S. roadways. However, the risk of a pedestrian injuries or deaths is greater among the elderly and the minority populations. Moreover, all men, regardless of demographic, were found to be two and one-half times more likely to be killed by a moving vehicle while walking than women.
In terms of age, the elderly, particularly men over 85 years old and women between 75 and 84 years of age suffer a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities, making them three times more likely to be killed than those between 15 to 24 years old. That being said, experts from the CDC believe that as the population of the U.S. ages, the likelihood of pedestrian accident death rates increasing.
Finally, pedestrian fatalities kill more people of color, particularly Native American, Hispanic, and African-American populations. This is due to the fact that they live in urban areas where residents walk more and get exposed to traffic violence.
Alarming as these statistics may be, it is important for pedestrians, regardless of race, color, or age, to be on the lookout for speeding vehicles, as well as take advantage of crosswalks, footbridges, and other infrastructures that would help those who regularly travel on foot. For a Los Angeles injury lawyer, meanwhile, motorists in general must also steer away from making driving decisions that could potentially kill pedestrians.
Within the said time period, a total of 47,392 pedestrians were killed in America’s roadways. Additionally, the per capita pedestrian fatality rate in the U.S. was almost 14 deaths per 1 million people in 2010. In comparison, the rates in both the United Kingdom and Germany were 6.7 and 5.8, respectively.
The CDC also reported that not everyone is affected equally by dangerous walking conditions in U.S. roadways. However, the risk of a pedestrian injuries or deaths is greater among the elderly and the minority populations. Moreover, all men, regardless of demographic, were found to be two and one-half times more likely to be killed by a moving vehicle while walking than women.
In terms of age, the elderly, particularly men over 85 years old and women between 75 and 84 years of age suffer a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities, making them three times more likely to be killed than those between 15 to 24 years old. That being said, experts from the CDC believe that as the population of the U.S. ages, the likelihood of pedestrian accident death rates increasing.
Finally, pedestrian fatalities kill more people of color, particularly Native American, Hispanic, and African-American populations. This is due to the fact that they live in urban areas where residents walk more and get exposed to traffic violence.
Alarming as these statistics may be, it is important for pedestrians, regardless of race, color, or age, to be on the lookout for speeding vehicles, as well as take advantage of crosswalks, footbridges, and other infrastructures that would help those who regularly travel on foot. For a Los Angeles injury lawyer, meanwhile, motorists in general must also steer away from making driving decisions that could potentially kill pedestrians.
